How does interstitial lung disease occur?
In interstitial lung disease, the lung is affected in three ways: • Lung tissue is damaged in some known or unknown way. • The walls of the air sacs in the lungs become inflamed. • Scarring (fibrosis) begins in the interstitium. Fibrosis results in permanent loss of that tissue’s ability to breathe and carry oxygen. Air sacs, as well as the lung tissue between and surrounding the air sacs, and the lung capillaries, are destroyed by the formation of scar tissue. The diseases may run a gradual or rapid course. People with ILD may have varied symptoms — from very mild to moderate to very severe. The condition may remain the same for long periods of time or it may change quickly. The course of ILDs is unpredictable. If they progress, the lung tissue thickens and becomes stiff. The work of breathing then becomes more difficult and demanding. Some of the diseases improve with medication if treated when inflammation occurs. Some people may need oxygen therapy as part of their treatment.
